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A sickly child, Katrina Steiner surprised her doctors by going on to pilot a BattleMech at the tender age of 12. Graduating from the Nagelring Academy in 2994 at just 18, she was posted to the 3rd Arcturan Lancers conventional regiment as an infantry officer and later went through various postings in different military branches. Her stated reason for this was to become well acquainted with all of them. Despite her meandering career path, by 3004 she had risen to the rank of Hauptmann-General. She commanded the 10th Lyran Guards (which is traditionally led by the Archon's heir, or at least member of House Steiner) and the 2nd Royal Guards before being promoted to the Strategy and Tactics Division.

She disappeared briefly in 3005, before reemerging on Tharkad a year later, seemingly changed and more hostile to her uncle, then-Archon Alessandro Steiner.

This, combined with Alessandro's foolish military strategies, led directly to Katrina's coup d'etat against him in 3007 and her subsequent appointment as Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth.

Katrina married her long-time friend and lover Arthur Luvon, the Duke of Donegal, in 3009. The following year saw the birth of their only child, Melissa. That was also the same year that Arthur died of cancer.

In 3020, Archon Katrina hoped to bring about a diplomatic solution to the Succession Wars. This peace proposal was rejected by all the Successor States, but marked a beginning of a cordial relationship with First Prince Hanse Davion and the Federated Suns. By 3022, Katrina and Hanse had signed an alliance treaty between their respective nations and the Archon had willingly betrothed her daughter, Melissa, to the First Prince.

In 3037 Katrina was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment, unfortunately discovering her condition was terminal in December 3038. Given less than a year to live, Katrina chose to spend the time she had left with her daughter and grandchildren. To this end, on the birth of her fifth grandchild Yvonne on March 15th 3039, Katrina abdicated in favor of Melissa, adopting the title of Archon-Emeritus. Katrina's abdication also ensured her reputation as a peacemaker remained intact, despite the fact the LCAF were in the final stages of preparing for the War of 3039.[1]

Katrina would serve as military and political adviser to her daughter during the War of 3039, but by the end of that year she was increasingly frail and in great discomfort. Archon-Emeritus Katrina Steiner would die in her sleep on January 4th 3040, mere days before the formal signing of the Exeter Accords that ended the 3039 conflict.[1]